Single Maine Mom Raises Dyslexia Awareness in Ms. Maine Pageant

Local Mainer, Nykki Stevens is a woman that has inspired many, especially me. It's good to highlight people who aren't crazy celebs because they receive enough recognition. It's important to shine the light on those hard working Mainers who are inspiring others. Nykki is one of those individuals that is admirable and a leader.

Nykki, 36, of Monmouth was recently approached by the director of the United States of America's pageant asking if she'd be interested in competing for the USOA Ms. Maine Title.

Nykki is a single mother of 2 boys and was humbled by the complement but had serious reservations about competing in this pageant. She has done it before, however, she didn't believe she could do it this time. The voice inside of  her gave her doubts on if she fit the narrative as a 36 year old mom competing in a pageant.

However, she's a firm believer in the law of attraction and she felt something tell her to go for it. Once she looked into the pageant by visiting USOA Miss Maine, she saw that this pageant empowers, inspires, and uplifts woman. She says,

"Why should we be limited based off the little voice or by what others might say? You get what you put out there so, I began looking at things I’ve accomplished. "

Nykki Stevens, Monmouth

As stated before, Nykki is a mother of 2 boys. Her oldest son, Ostin has been diagnosed with Dyslexia 3 years ago. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words."

Nykki took a deep dive into learning everything she could because he hasn't been progressing. She learned that there are many misconceptions about what it is and it’s more prevalent than anyone knows. 1 in 5 people are believed to be dyslexic and all though it is a life long disability,

By doing this pageant, Nykki wants to raise awareness on this and she wants children like Ostin to know, "they can be and do anything." 35% of all entrepreneurs are dyslexic and 40% of self made millionaires are dyslexic. Charles Schwab, George Washington, Cher, Albert Einstein are all dyslexic.

Nykki has always "risen to the challenge" of what life has to offer. She has fought for who she loves and built her dreams all whilst raising her two boys by herself.

This is where strength builds. This is where bravery is born. Nykki was at a point where she had to reevaluate her life and make tough decisions. She did just that and now she is an official contestant in the USOA Ms. Maine Pageant.

"Being given this opportunity has already been life changing. I have been humbled by the support given when everyone found out I was accepted as USOA Ms. Monmouth 2022 and will compete for USOA Ms. Maine."

Nykki Stevens, Monmouth

Nykki is a Mother, a warrior, a graduate, and hopefully will be our next Ms. Maine! With a Bachelors degree in Psychology, she worked hard to also earn a Masters in Early Childhood Education all while raising her sons as a single Mom. She's taught pre-k, worked in the foster care system, and the criminal justice system. Wow!

If you are interested in attending the pageant and cheering Nykki on, the pageant is October 8 and 9, 2022 at the Senator in Augusta!

"If by doing this pageant I can use my voice to Bring awareness to dyslexia and the importance of early detection, inspire others to take a leap of faith, even though it’s scary, all while forming bonds with others, why would I say no."

Nykki Stevens, Monmouth

Check out what Nykki is up to while visiting her Facebook Page here!

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